Wilmer Valderrama Expands Role in iHeartMedia's My Cultura

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 22, 2022 | 3:16pm CT

My Cultura

iHeartMedia together with My Cultura, the company's podcast network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories, have announced that actor, producer, entrepreneur and activist Wilmer Valderrama ("NCIS," "Encanto," "That 70's Show") has expanded his role with My Cultura to become a shareholder, on the heels of the network's one year anniversary. Valderrama will help to curate the network's slate of Latinx-focused podcasts and has committed to five new shows that will be executive produced by and/or star him.

"Representation shapes not just how others see us, but also how we see ourselves. It is imperative that every facet of our media includes narratives that uplift Latino and Hispanic voices. At WV Entertainment it is our mission to not just choose purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx community, but to also make sure these stories are accessible to everyone. We are so grateful to our partners at iHeartMedia for seeing the value in this and prioritizing the need to highlight the joy, the power, and the heart of our community in ways that are still all too rare," said Valderrama.

"We are excited to have Wilmer on board in an even larger, expanded capacity as a shareholder in iHeart's My Cultura Podcast Network," said iHeartMedia's Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne. "His energy, experience and creativity will set this network up for even further success in year two and beyond."

Valderrama began his relationship with My Cultura in Summer 2021 when he launched his podcast "Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama." Executive produced by Valderrama and Leo Klemm via his production banner WV Entertainment and Clamor, the weekly series features conversations and interviews with people on the frontlines of food service, transportation, child-care and other systems where workers' voices are often overlooked.

"We're incredibly proud of the rapid growth our network has seen in its first year," said My Cultura SVP, Head of Production and Development Gisselle Bances. "We are the first majority Latinx-owned podcast network, and we are grateful to our partners and our diverse roster of hosts, including Wilmer, who continue to further My Cultura's mission to tell our own stories. It's stories by us for everyone to enjoy."